JOHN H. WHEELER1925-2013

Published: January 6, 2013 8:00 AM

He was born Feb. 8, 1925, in Emerson, son of the late Aaron J. and Grace M. (Hess) Wheeler. He married Betty A. Lauer in Byesville, on Aug. 28, 1952, and she preceded him in death on March 13, 2008.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, the Rev. Joseph G. Wheeler and Richard W. Wheeler, Sr.

He is survived by a son, John F. (Deb) Wheeler of Findlay; and one grandson, Aaron J. (fiance, Lisa Paul) Wheeler of Findlay. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his constant companion, his beagle, AJ.

Mr. Wheeler retired from the University of Findlay and was granted Faculty Emeritus status. He was also a teacher and superintendent in the Rolling Hills Local School District, Byesville. He also taught at Chapman University, Orange, Calif.

John graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1942 and West Liberty State University in 1950. He also completed graduate work at Bowling Green State University and the University of Toledo.

John proudly served his country in Europe during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army. His Army unit, the 556th AAA (AW) Battalion, continues to hold annual reunions, of which he was an active part.

John was a member of numerous professional educational organizations, serving in a leadership role in many. He was also a long time member of the Symposium and the Probability Seminar.

Visitation will be today (Sunday) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Ave., Findlay. Masonic services will be 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, with the Rev. Janeane Hopkins officiating.

Interment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Findlay, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Hancock Veterans Memorial Squad.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (Head and Neck Oncology), 660 Ackerman Road, Columbus, OH 43218-3112, or the McComb First Presbyterian Church.

john43 Jan 8, 2013 3:13 PM

I am sorry to hear of Mr Wheeler's passing. He was an outstanding educator.

He sincerely cared for his students. Always uplifting, fair and inspiring.

A loss to society.

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user_49758 Jan 6, 2013 1:34 PM

Mr. Wheeler helped me get my first job with Brothers 5 and dime store in Byesville, OH. He called me into his office and said Pete Brothers had an opening for a "stock boy" and needed the tallest boy with good work ethics. I worked there two years for .65 cents an hour and worked hard. He was a wonderful man and excellent teacher who went beyond teaching to actually being your friend. He was superintendent of Byesville schools when I graduated in 1961. My sincere sympathy to all his family.

Neal Altland

Nashport, Ohio

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